Council could face lawsuit over fleas

A report recommends replacing carpets and soft furnishings

Great Yarmouth Borough Council could be sued for failing to protect its staff from fleas, according to an internal report.

Two council-owned buildings are currently infested and some staff - cleaners, porters and receptionists - have complained they are being bitten by the insects.

The Greyfriars building and Trafalgar House are visited by pest control teams every few weeks, but employees say spraying the buildings is not keeping the fleas under control.

A report which the Council's Executive Committee will hear on Wednesday evening states: "It's only a matter of time before someone becomes very ill and sues the council for failing to protect them."

It has been proposed that fabric-covered chairs and carpets where the fleas lay their eggs be rapidly replaced.

At the meeting, councillors will be urged to tackle the problem or face possible legal action.

Lawsuits over fleas are not unprecedented; Tube drivers have won payouts of up to £500 from London Underground management after suffering allergic reactions to being bitten in their cabs.